WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Susan G. Komen® today announced over $1 million in new community grants to eight breast cancer organizations serving the National Capital Region.
Made possible by funds raised through the Susan G. Komen D.C. Race for the Cure and the Honoring the Promise Gala, the announcement came at a Komen luncheon hosted by WJLA news anchor Jummy Olabanji which honored local breast cancer survivors and Race participants. The event marks the official start of activities leading up to the 27th D.C. Race for the Cure® May 7 on the National Mall.
The latest set of grants focuses on increasing access to quality health care for low-income and underserved women, and reducing mortality rates throughout the National Capital Region (NCR), which includes Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia.
This region faces a significant burden from breast cancer incidence and mortality. While the NCR has breast cancer incidence rates that are only slightly higher than the national average, death rates for women in the NCR – specifically in Alexandria, VA and D.C. Wards 2, 5, 7, and 8 – are higher than those observed in the U.S. as a whole. The burden is especially troublesome for African-American women in the District of Colombia, with a death rate 34 percent higher than white women.
Komen is funding services this year that will address these disparate outcomes through breast health and breast cancer outreach and education, as well as through patient navigation services for underserved women in D.C. Wards 2, 5, 7 and 8 and Alexandria City, VA. Funded programs will provide information and resources to low-income, socially or culturally isolated women including racial minorities, immigrants/refugees, homeless, women with disabilities, LGBTQ populations, and those living with HIV.
“Women living in our nation’s capital are disproportionately burdened by breast cancer,” said Susan G. Komen President and CEO Dr. Judy Salerno. “Every time a woman receives care too late or loses her fight against this disease, the entire community suffers. These new grants support programs that reach women – whoever and wherever they are – with the resources they need.”
Since its inception in 1990, funds raised from the Susan G. Komen D.C. Race for the Cure®, along with the Honoring the Promise Gala, have provided more than $36 million for over 300 community grants to local programs in the National Capital Region. To date, Komen has invested more than $1.95 billion in community grants worldwide.
Additionally, more than $44 million has been invested in over 152 grants to breast cancer researchers at institutions in the National Capital Region, bringing Komen’s total research investment to more than $889 million since inception.
National Capital Region Community Grants Awarded in 2016:
American Association on Health and Disability
Lightening Can
Strike Twice
George Washington University
Multi-Stakeholder Education: Breast
Cancer among Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (LBT) Individuals
Mary’s Center for Maternal & Child Care, Inc.
Mary's Center
Breast Health Program
Neighborhood Health
Educate, Screen & Navigate for Breast Health
Success in Alexandria
The Smith Center
Development and Presentation of a Professional
Training in Culinary Translation in Breast Cancer Care
Supporting Our Sisters International
Sisters to Divas
Vietnamese Resettlement Association, Inc.
VRA Breast Care Program
Whitman Walker Clinic
Breast Health Initiative (BHI)
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen is the world’s largest breast cancer organization, funding more breast cancer research than any other nonprofit while providing real-time help to those facing the disease. Since its founding in 1982, Komen has funded more than $889 million in research and provided $1.95 billion in funding to screening, education, treatment and psychosocial support programs. Komen has worked in more than 60 countries worldwide. Komen was founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at ww5.komen.org/social
